May 8, 2019
I had no idea I was a perfectionist. No really, I thought I only liked to do everything with excellence. I hate mediocrity and set high expectations for myself. But then I grew tired of my harsh self-criticism.
I found fault in all my work, overlooking the good. Instead of feeling pleased with my finished work, I immediately hunted every flaw and went over every tiny detail that could have been done better. No matter how hard I worked, it was never good enough for me.
Still isn’t.
I beat myself up for small mistakes and unconsciously hold everyone else to the same standards. Yes, I still struggle with perfectionism, but I’m on the mend, I pray.
Can you relate to my confessions above? Do you want to overcome perfectionism? Then continue reading, this post is just for you.
It’s good to do your best, no one denies that. But when your best is never sufficient for you, then it’s a problem. Having high standards and expectations is also good but it becomes a disease when they are humanly impossible to reach. Perfectionism is sinful because it’s prideful. It leads to self-sufficiency, an inaccurate view of human limitations, the judging and criticizing of others, and a plethora more.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
(Romans 12:3)
The perfectionist creates unrealistic goals that seem realistic to them. They believe that they can do on their own, that which can only be done with the Lord’s help. Perfectionists have unhealthy obsessions to reach impossible goals. They have a skewed view on human limitation and become frustrated, unhappy, and bitter when faced with these. Their twisted views cause them to feel unsatisfied with everything, nothing is ever good enough in their eyes.
[bctt tweet=”Perfectionism is an unhealthy obsession to strive for the impossible. ” username=”TheScribe_Blog”]
They are trapped in a never-ending warp in their quest to achieve perfection.
Being a perfectionist also has to do with a lack of self-worth and being a people pleaser. They seek validation in a job well done and the acknowledgment from others.
What the perfectionist needs to understand is that perfection is unattainable. No one and nothing is perfect, only Jesus lived a perfect life. And even if perfection were achievable, it would never satisfy. They need to learn to rest upon the Lord. He has made His yoke easy and burden light, but the perfectionist is not content with that, he thrives on feeling burdened.
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
(Psalm 18:32)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
We need to let go of our personal expectations and look toward God because perfection turns into vain pursuits.
In turn, the pursuit for perfection also becomes an idol, beware! Read the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon warns us about the vanity of life. What’s the use in exerting ourselves, if all this work will be gone with us 6 feet below one day? I’m not saying to be mediocre or become lazy, but work, give it your best and leave it at that- we’re only human.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
(Isaiah 64:6)
Be content with your work, there is beauty and uniqueness in imperfections. My mom always says that the best job done is the one done with contentment and love. If you make your work an act of worship unto the LORD, you will find the satisfaction and peace you could never get through perfectionism.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord
(Colossians 3:23)
Perfectionism is self-serving, it feeds your pride, it steals your joy and contentment, it separates you from God and others. Perfection can only found in God’s Way. His commands, His promises, His love and joy, peace and Eternity are perfect. Let us strive for that instead. Amen!
[bctt tweet=”The best job done is the one done with contentment and love.” username=”TheScribe_Blog”]
I will end with a couple more verses to help you overcome perfectionism and pray that you may be obedient to your convictions.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:12-14)
Strive for His ways, not your ways.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(Isaiah 55:8-9)
Your works, no matter how excellent, do not save you.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:8-10)
Give your burden of perfectionism to the Lord.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28)
Enjoyed this post? Share it on Pinterest!
